the future National Nature Reserves A policy statement JANUARY 2000

Transcription

1 National Nature Reserves the future A policy statement JANUARY 2000 This is one of a range of publications produced by Publicity and Marketing, English Nature, Northminster House, Peterborough PE1 1UA. ISBN X Designed and printed by Status Design & Advertising, 3M. Printed on Evolve Silk, 75% recycled post-consumer waste, ECF. English Nature 2000 COVER PHOTOS BY PETER WAKELY AND PAUL GLENDELL, ENGLISH NATURE Awarded for excellence

2 The expression nature reserve means land managed for the purpose - a. of providing, under suitable conditions and control, special opportunities for the study of, and research into, matters relating to the fauna and flora of Great Britain and the physical conditions in which they live, and for the study of geological and physiographical features of special interest in the area, or b. of preserving flora, fauna or geological or physiographical features of special interest in the area, or for both those purposes. National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949 Where the Nature Conservancy Council are satisfied that any land which - a. is being managed as a nature reserve under an agreement entered into with the Council; b. is held by the Council and is being managed by them as a nature reserve; or c. is held by an approved body and is being managed by that body as a nature reserve, is of national importance, they may declare that land to be a national nature reserve. Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 We will: implement an effective site safeguard programme that fulfils international obligations and contributes to wildlife gain through sustaining and enhancing SSSIs and NNRs. Corporate Plan, 1999, English Nature The NNR series includes the best examples of England s wildlife. Our aim is to manage the series to the highest standards, demonstrate good management practice including value for money, provide opportunities for people to experience wildlife, and provide opportunities for applied research. Work Plan , English Nature Our priority actions include a commitment to increase the size, use and value of NNRs. Beyond 2000 Strategy, English Nature 1997 We are convinced that the establishment, maintenance and management of NNRs remains a key statutory function for the conservation agencies. Sites of Special Scientific Interest Better Protection and Management, DETR 1998 Lullington Heath NNR, Sussex. Bassenthwaite NNR, Cumbria.

3 National Nature Reserves (as at January 2000) and English Nature Local Teams 1 INTRODUCTION Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire Team (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Luton) Ham Lane House Ham Lane Nene Park Orton Waterville Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE2 5UR Tel: Fax: beds.cambs.nhants@english-nature.org.uk Barnack Hills & Holes NNR Castor Hanglands NNR Collyweston Great Wood & Eastern Hornstocks NNR Holme Fen NNR King s Wood, Heath & Reach NNR Monks Wood NNR Upwood Meadows NNR Wicken Fen NNR Woodwalton Fen NNR Cumbria Team Juniper House Murley Moss Oxenholme Road Kendal Cumbria LA9 7RL Tel: Fax: cumbria@english-nature.org.uk Bassenthwaite Lake NNR Blelham Bog NNR Clawthorpe Fell NNR Cliburn Moss NNR Drumburgh Moss NNR Duddon Mosses NNR Finglandrigg Woods NNR Gowk Bank NNR Great Asby Scar NNR Hallsenna Moor NNR High Leys NNR North Fen NNR North Walney NNR Park Wood NNR Roudsea Wood & Mosses NNR Rusland Moss NNR Sandy Beck Meadows NNR Smardale Gill NNR South Solway Mosses NNR Tarn Moss NNR Thornhill Moss & Meadows NNR Whitbarrow NNR Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Team The Old Mill House 37 North Street Okehampton Devon EX20 1AR Tel: Fax: devon@english-nature.org.uk or Cornwall Office Trevint House Strangways Villas Truro Cornwall TR1 2PA Tel: Fax: cornwall@english-nature.org.uk Axmouth-Lyme Regis Undercliffs NNR Black-a-Tor Copse NNR Dendles Wood NNR Dunsdon Farm NNR East Dartmoor Woods & Heaths NNR Golitha Falls NNR Goss Moor NNR Lundy MNR Slapton Ley NNR The Lizard NNR Wistman s Wood NNR Dorset Team (Bournemouth, Dorset & Poole) Slepe Farm, Arne Wareham Dorset BH20 5BN Tel: Fax: dorset@english-nature.org.uk Arne Reedbeds NNR Hambledon Hill NNR Hartland Moor NNR Hog Cliff NNR Holt Heath NNR Holton Heath NNR Morden Bog NNR Stoborough Heath NNR Studland & Godlingston Heath NNR Valley of Stones NNR East Midlands Team (Leicester City, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire & Rutland) The Maltings Wharf Road Grantham Lincolnshire NG31 6BH Tel: Fax: ingridg@english-nature.org.uk Bardney Limewoods NNR Cribbs Meadow NNR Gibraltar Point NNR Muston Meadows NNR Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR The Wash NNR Essex, Hertfordshire & London Team Colchester Office Harbour House Hythe Quay Colchester Essex CO2 8JF Tel: Fax: essex.herts@english-nature.org.uk or London Office Ormond House 26/27 Boswell Street London WC1N 3JZ Tel: Fax: london@english-nature.org.uk Blackwater Estuary NNR Broxbourne Woods NNR Colne Estuary NNR Dengie NNR Hales Wood NNR Hamford Water NNR Hatfield Forest NNR Leigh NNR Ruislip Woods NNR Hampshire & Isle of Wight Team (Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth & Southampton) 1 Southampton Road Lyndhurst Hampshire SO43 7BU Tel: Fax: hants.iwight@english-nature.org.uk Ashford Hangers NNR Ashford Hill NNR Beacon Hill NNR Butser Hill NNR Castle Bottom NNR Kingston Great Common NNR Newtown Harbour NNR North Solent NNR Old Winchester Hill NNR Titchfield Haven NNR Humber to Pennines Team (East Riding of Yorkshire (area west of Goole), North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire & West Yorkshire) Bull Ring House Northgate Wakefield West Yorkshire WF1 1HD Tel: Fax: humber.pennines@english-nature.org.uk Humberhead Peatlands NNR Kent Team The Countryside Management Centre Coldharbour Farm Wye Ashford Kent TN25 5DB Tel: Fax: donna.hills@english-nature.org.uk Blean Woods NNR Dungeness NNR Elmley NNR Ham Street Woods NNR High Halstow NNR Lydden Temple Ewell NNR Sandwich & Pegwell Bay NNR Stodmarsh NNR Swanscombe Skull Site NNR The Swale NNR Wye NNR Norfolk Team 60 Bracondale Norwich Norfolk NR1 2BE Tel: Fax: norfolk@english-nature.org.uk Ant Broads & Marshes NNR Blakeney NNR Bure Marshes NNR Calthorpe Broad NNR Dersingham Bog NNR Hickling Broad NNR Holkham NNR Holme Dunes NNR Ludham - Potter Heigham NNR Martham Broad NNR Mid-Yare NNR Roydon Common NNR Scolt Head Island NNR Swanton Novers NNR Weeting Heath NNR Winterton Dunes NNR North & East Yorkshire Team (East Riding of Yorkshire (excluding area west of Goole), Kingston-Upon-Hull & North Yorkshire) Genesis 1 University Road Heslington York YO10 5ZQ Tel: Fax: york@english-nature.org.uk or Leyburn Office (Yorkshire Dales) Thornborough Hall Leyburn North Yorkshire DL8 5ST Tel: Fax: leyburn@english-nature.org.uk Duncombe Park NNR Forge Valley Woods NNR Ingleborough NNR Ling Gill NNR Lower Derwent Valley NNR Malham Tarn NNR Scoska Wood NNR Spurn NNR Northumbria Team (Darlington, Durham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees, Tyne and Wear) Stocksfield Hall Stocksfield Northumberland NE43 7TN Tel: Fax: northumbria@english-nature.org.uk Cassop Vale NNR Castle Eden Dene NNR Derwent Gorge & Muggleswick Woods NNR Durham Coast NNR Farne Islands NNR Greenlee Lough NNR Kielder Mires NNR Kielderhead NNR Lindisfarne NNR Moor House - Upper Teesdale NNR Muckle Moss NNR Newham Bog NNR Teesmouth NNR Thrislington NNR North West Team (North Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside & Greater Manchester) Pier House Wallgate Wigan Lancashire WN3 4AL Tel: Fax: northwest@english-nature.org.uk Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR Cabin Hill NNR Gait Barrows NNR Ribble Estuary NNR Peak District & Derbyshire Team (Peak District National Park, Derbyshire & Derby City) Manor Barn Over Haddon Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1JE Tel: Fax: julieg@english-nature.org.uk Derbyshire Dales NNR Somerset Team (South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset) Roughmoor Bishop s Hull Taunton Somerset TA1 5AA Tel: Fax: janc@english-nature.org.uk Barrington Hill NNR Bridgwater Bay NNR Dunkery & Horner Wood NNR Ebbor Gorge NNR Gordano Valley NNR Ham Wall NNR Hardington Moor NNR Huntspill River NNR Leigh Woods NNR Rodney Stoke NNR Shapwick Heath NNR Somerset Levels NNR Westhay Moor NNR Suffolk Team Regent House 110 Northgate Street Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 1HP Tel: Fax: suffolk@english-nature.org.uk Benacre NNR Bradfield Woods NNR Brettenham Heath NNR Cavenham Heath NNR Chippenham Fen NNR Orfordness - Havergate NNR Redgrave & Lopham Fen NNR Thetford Heath NNR Walberswick NNR Westleton Heath NNR Sussex & Surrey Team (Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, West Sussex & Surrey) Howard House 31 High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 2LU Tel: Fax: sussex.surrey@english-nature.org.uk Ashtead Common NNR Castle Hill NNR Chobham Common NNR Ebernoe Common NNR Kingley Vale NNR Lewes Downs (Mount Caburn) NNR Lullington Heath NNR Pevensey Levels NNR Thursley NNR Thames & Chilterns Team (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes & Oxfordshire) Foxhold House Thornford Road Crookham Common Thatcham Berkshire RG19 8EL Tel: Fax: thames.chilterns@english-nature.org.uk Aston Rowant NNR Barton Hills NNR Buckingham Thick Copse NNR Burnham Beeches NNR Chimney Meadow NNR Cothill NNR Knocking Hoe NNR Wychwood NNR Three Counties Team (Gloucestershire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire) Bronsil House Eastnor Ledbury Herefordshire HR8 1EP Tel: Fax: three.counties@english-nature.org.uk Bredon Hill NNR Chaddesley Woods NNR Cotswold Commons & Beechwoods NNR Foster s Green Meadows NNR Highbury Wood NNR Lady Park Wood NNR Moccas Park NNR The Flits NNR Wyre Forest NNR West Midlands Team (Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on Trent, Warwickshire & West Midlands) Attingham Park Shrewsbury Shropshire SY4 4TW Tel: Fax: wmt.en.ap@gtnet.gov.uk or Banbury Office (Warwickshire) 10/11 Butchers Row Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 8JH Tel: Fax: Aqualate Mere NNR Chartley Moss NNR Downton Gorge NNR Fenn s,whixall & Bettisfield Mosses NNR Mottey Meadows NNR Rostherne Mere NNR Stiperstones NNR Sutton Park NNR Wem Moss NNR Wren s Nest NNR Wybunbury Moss NNR Wiltshire Team (Swindon & Wiltshire) Prince Maurice Court Hambleton Avenue Devizes Wiltshire SN10 2RT Tel: Fax: wiltshire@english-nature.org.uk Fyfield Down NNR Langley Wood NNR Martin Down NNR North Meadow, Cricklade NNR Parsonage Down NNR Pewsey Downs NNR Prescombe Down NNR Wylye Down NNR Castor Hanglands NNR National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are amongst the finest wildlife and Earth heritage sites in England, containing examples of a wide range of ecosystems, habitats, communities and species, and of geological and geomorphological features and formations. The smallest consist of a field or two of species-rich grassland or fen, whilst the largest are at a landscape scale. Some are lowland habitats which are now very rare, such as botanically rich meadows and pastures in southern England; some are important because of the rare species they contain; some because of their internationally important populations of wetland birds; and some because of special geological and/or geomorphological features. Many contain diverse mixtures of communities and species, both common and rare, which make them wonderful places for wildlife. NNRs are a public recognition, on behalf of Government, of a site s importance for nature conservation, with the primary management aim being to maintain and, if appropriate, enhance that nature conservation interest. More has, therefore, been expected for wildlife gain from an NNR than from other important wildlife sites, where nature conservation has to be achieved alongside the objectives of other land users. This high expectation of NNRs was established over 50 years ago, and remains true today. Government has acknowledged this in their 1998 consultation paper on SSSIs, noting that NNRs have an enhanced role compared with other SSSIs. The NNRs are seen as being particularly important for delivering high quality land management, for providing outdoor laboratories for ecological research, and for being places where people can see and enjoy wildlife. English Nature is fully committed to fulfilling this high expectation for the NNR series, both through those we manage directly, and through those managed by approved bodies. English Nature places great value on the contribution made to the NNR series by those Voluntary Conservation Organisations, and others, who manage NNRs as approved bodies under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act Their work contributes significantly to the delivery of international and national objectives for nature conservation. The NNRs managed by English Nature are fundamental to providing the practical land management experience needed to deliver sound and authoritative advice to Government, land managers and others. This policy statement reinforces this approach, and aims to ensure that NNRs make the best possible contribution to the delivery of nature conservation objectives. It states our objectives for NNRs, places them in the wider context of Natural Areas, describes the rationale and approach to NNR management, and itemises future actions and outcomes. Exmoor ponies at Gait Barrows NNR, Lancashire. Common cotton grass at Walton Moss NNR, Cumbria. 8 1

4 Electric deer fence, Monks Wood NNR, 2 WHY ENGLISH NATURE NEEDS NNRS National Nature Reserves are the jewels in the crown of the SSSI series. They lie at the heart of English Nature s conservation strategy, since they are all nationally (or internationally) important sites managed with the primary aim of maintaining and enhancing their wildlife or natural features. Whilst each is important in its own right, they have even greater significance as a suite of sites which complement each other, through contributing a variety of features and management experience, which is fundamental to providing sound and authoritative advice to owners and occupiers of SSSIs. The suite of NNRs in England needs to meet the high standards of NNR management expected by Government and the public. It must also contribute to Government s international and national priorities for nature conservation, maintain and develop practical experience of land management for nature conservation, and provide access for the enjoyment of England s wildlife and Earth heritage. An overarching NNR management objective is to maximise their contribution towards delivering Government s responsibilities and targets under the Natura 2000 and Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) programmes. English Nature s periodic reviews of NNR management plans are designed to ensure that appropriate contributions are being made to these objectives and targets. In the light of this, England needs a suite of NNRs which: conserves and enriches key sites in England for their wildlife and Earth science features; contributes directly to maintaining the diversity of England s wildlife and natural features, through delivery of Natural Area objectives; exemplifies the characteristic landscapes, wildlife and natural features of England s Natural Areas, and demonstrates the influence of geology, soils, topography and climate on vegetation, wildlife, landscape and patterns of land use; Checking moth traps at Gait Barrows NNR, Lancashire. 2 provides opportunities for habitat restoration and species recovery, and for trialing innovative land management techniques to achieve specific wildlife and Earth heritage gains; provides opportunities for demonstration, training and study of nature conservation and Earth heritage management; provides opportunities for research and experimentation to improve understanding of ecological and Earth heritage processes, and to enhance the quality of English Nature s advice on management for nature conservation; provides a core resource from which to build the wider nature conservation and Earth heritage character of a locality; acts as reference points and controls in wider land management studies and for monitoring the impacts on wildlife and Earth heritage features of management practices and regimes; provides opportunities for enhancing people s understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of England s wildlife and Earth heritage features, through managed access, and through providing opportunities for formal and informal education. Horner Woods & Dunkery NNR, Somerset. 3 THE NATURAL AREAS CONTEXT English Nature has defined 97 terrestrial and 23 maritime Natural Areas, and published documents which describe the nature conservation character and objectives of each. Natural Areas are biogeographic zones which reflect the geological foundation, the natural systems, processes and wildlife in different parts of England, and which provide a framework for setting objectives for nature conservation. Our aim is to enhance the wildlife and natural features of each Natural Area, paying particular attention to Biodiversity Action Plan targets. Whilst site safeguard will continue to have a vital part to play in every Natural Area, other mechanisms (such as incentive schemes for positive management, and the incorporation of nature conservation objectives within the policies and programmes of others) are also essential. We use the Natural Areas approach as a framework for delivering our commitments under the Biodiversity Action Plan, including site safeguard and NNR acquisition programmes, and as a means of determining priorities. National Nature Reserves play a vital role in delivering Natural Area objectives, not least because they support habitats and species characteristic of the Natural Area in which they occur. They also act as a reservoir from which wildlife can expand into the adjacent countryside. New NNRs will, increasingly, be selected using the Natural Areas context as a prime consideration. We will place particular emphasis on ensuring that priority is generally given to habitats, species and Earth heritage features which are especially important in each Natural Area, and which have been identified as characteristic features. We will also seek to ensure that there is an appropriate geographic spread of NNRs across England, with the long term objective of having at least one NNR in every Natural Area, to provide more accessible opportunities for people to experience and enjoy wildlife. 3

5 Bassenthwaite NNR, Cumbria. Ash trees on Castor Hanglands NNR, 4 MANAGEMENT OF THE NNR SERIES What should English Nature directly hold and manage? English Nature staff need thorough practical knowledge of how species populations and habitats of greatest conservation importance can be maintained, enhanced and restored. This knowledge is the foundation of our advice to other land managers, and from this management prescriptions for sites within the SSSI series are produced. Therefore, we need to manage directly a suite of NNRs which provides credible practical experience to underpin our advice and recommendations to others, and must ensure that this knowledge and experience is used by those staff involved in advising other land managers. As well as providing practical land management experience, the NNRs managed by English Nature are also a vital resource for research and monitoring into the effects of land management on the distribution of wildlife. Such knowledge enables us to evaluate the effects of management techniques and regimes on SSSIs, and in the wider countryside generally. NNRs are also used for ecological research by universities, research institutions and others. English Nature assists students with the costs of fieldwork projects through its College - English Nature Links (CEL) Grants Scheme. National Nature Reserves are key places for public access, to raise understanding and appreciation of England s wildlife heritage, including for those with a disability. To help achieve this we use our Website to raise the profile of NNRs, have initiated a Spotlight NNR project to improve visitor satisfaction and understanding at selected NNRs and, where possible, are providing improved access for the disabled. There is much to celebrate about the benefits of NNRs to the nation, and the fiftieth anniversary of the declarations of the first NNRs in England will provide an opportunity for public recognition and reinforcement. Section 35 NNRs Under Section 35(1)(c) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, English Nature may declare land belonging to other bodies as National Nature Reserves. The land concerned must be of national importance for nature conservation, and must be managed as a nature reserve. We have a number of schemes which provide a measure of financial assistance to many approved body managers of NNRs, but we also believe it is appropriate for partners to make financial provision from their own resources in support of this. Approved body NNRs are of equal importance and status as those NNRs managed by English Nature. We value the commitment and important contribution to safeguarding our natural heritage made by all those organisations who are approved bodies, and welcome the opportunity to acknowledge this through the public accolade which comes from the award of such status. We plan to increase the number of approved body NNRs, and will seek the cooperation of current and possible new approved bodies in achieving this. List of Approved Bodies (as at January 2000) Bedfordshire County Council Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough Wildlife Trust Birmingham City Council British Butterfly Conservation Society Ltd Carstairs Countryside Trust Corporation of London Cumbria Wildlife Trust Dartmoor National Park Authority Devon Wildlife Trust Durham County Council Easington District Council ECT (Conservation) Ltd Essex Wildlife Trust Forestry Commission Hampshire County Council Hertfordshire County Council Kent Wildlife Trust Lake District Special Planning Board Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust Lincolnshire Trust for Nature Conservation London Borough of Hillingdon Norfolk Wildlife Trust Northumberland National Park Authority Redland Aggregates Ltd RSPB Shepway District Council Shropshire Wildlife Trust Somerset Wildlife Trust Suffolk Wildlife Trust Surrey County Council Sussex Wildlife Trust Teignbridge District Council The Environment Agency The National Trust The Woodland Trust Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Resources It has always been English Nature s aim to manage NNRs to the highest nature conservation standards, within the requirement to obtain best value for money in the use of public resources. Every NNR has a management plan describing the wildlife importance of the site, evaluating that importance against set criteria, setting management objectives, describing the rationale for arriving at management decisions, and detailing the management actions needed. We are reviewing the costs and effectiveness of our management of NNRs, to ensure that sufficient funding is available to deliver favourable conservation status and the high level of wildlife gain expected from NNRs. We will sharpen our focus on targeted research and long-term monitoring on NNRs, and in improving appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of the natural heritage by visitors to NNRs. In addition to English Nature s grant-in-aid, from which an allocation is made to cover the core costs of the NNR programme, financial resources are also generated on some NNRs as a by-product of management undertaken to deliver nature conservation objectives. Each English Nature Local Team has a target for NNR income generation. English Nature is also seeking to secure sponsorship and other funding for specific activities. The NNRs are an attractive sponsorship opportunity, but we do not intend to use any sponsorship funds to support core site management activities, since funding for this is already provided from our grant-in-aid. Sponsorship funding will be used for projects which increase wildlife gain, or which improve NNR visitor resources. In addition, since the NNRs are part of our national heritage, it is important that the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Heritage Memorial Fund continue to support acquisition of land of national wildlife importance, by both English Nature and Voluntary Conservation Organisations. Sheep grazing limestone grassland on Castor Hanglands NNR, Fence construction to enhance Corncrake habitat, Lower Derwent Valley NNR,Yorkshire. 4 5

6 Wistman s Wood NNR, Devon. 5 ACTIONS AND OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK To ensure that NNRs contribute effectively to our overall objectives, we have set the following objectives for the period 1999/2004: Achievement of wildlife gain Ensure that NNRs make an effective contribution to the implementation of appropriate Natura 2000 habitat and species objectives. Ensure that NNRs make an effective contribution to the implementation of appropriate BAP habitat and species action plans. Ensure that the NNR series makes an effective contribution to the implementation of Earth heritage objectives. Ensure that NNRs make an effective contribution to the delivery of Natural Area objectives and targets. Ensure that our recording of management actions taken, and the outcomes which result, enable us to improve the standard of the guidance we provide to other land managers. The future suite of NNRs Produce an acquisition strategy which sets a clear framework and priorities for action, both by English Nature and in partnership with others. Acquire threatened priority fragile sites and threatened Earth heritage sites which are amenable to NNR management where other conservation partners are unable to, and manage them to recover and/or maintain favourable nature conservation status. Acquire land to assist with the delivery of BAP habitat restoration and creation targets where there are no other effective conservation options. Acquire sites that epitomise key features of Natural Areas not covered by existing designations. Consolidate existing NNRs to enhance the viability and resilience of priority fragile and vulnerable habitats and species, and to develop links with surrounding sites. Use the NNR series as the core of a network of SSSIs to monitor and validate the management undertaken, and evaluate the effectiveness of our advice. Establish a framework whereby the wildlife resource within NNRs can be used to restore the nature conservation character of the surrounding countryside. Increase public access and appreciation of NNRs, especially through the Spotlight NNR programme, to promote opportunities for people, including those with a disability, to experience, learn about and enjoy wildlife at first hand. Further develop our Website to raise the profile of NNRs through increasing public awareness and knowledge of them. Develop a set of indicators for NNRs which demonstrate their delivery of wildlife gain. Work with our major VCO partners Develop an acquisition strategy with our VCO partners, to ensure best use of resources and experience. Enter into management partnerships on jointly owned NNRs to achieve efficiency and value for money for high quality wildlife gain. Provide financial support to VCOs for land acquisition to safeguard threatened priority international and national habitats and species, including acquisition of land to assist with the delivery of BAP habitat creation targets. Increase the number of Section 35(1)(c) NNRs managed by approved bodies, to strengthen the contribution of the NNR series to international and national nature conservation objectives. Resources Ensure that sufficient funding is available to run our NNR estate to a high standard, to deliver the favourable condition of features of interest and the high level of wildlife gain expected from NNRs. Ensure that our core funding supports a targeted research and monitoring programme on NNRs. Ensure, where it is within our power to do so, that any features of interest in unfavourable condition on NNRs reach, or are making significant progress towards, favourable condition by March Maintain the quality and credibility of our advice and recommendations to other land managers, by ensuring that we have a sufficient range of practical experience through direct management of NNRs. Achieve a greater transfer of the knowledge and experience of land management from NNR managers to staff involved in advising other land managers on management for nature conservation. Increase the usage of NNRs in demonstrating nature conservation management methods to other land managers, and increase levels of local community involvement on NNRs. Ensure effective transfer of knowledge and information on land management, and promote good practice and new ideas for achieving wildlife gain, through our magazine enact, other publications, and demonstration events. Use the NNR series to undertake and foster research directed towards improving our understanding of ecological processes (particularly mid to long-term studies that require security of tenure), and encourage wide dissemination of the results. Bailing rushes at Glasson Moss - South Solway Mosses NNR, Cumbria. Ensure that core funding is used to improve the appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of our natural heritage amongst visitors to NNRs. Generate additional funding for management and interpretation projects on NNRs through external sponsorship and, where appropriate, through utilising the natural and other resources on site, where this can be achieved in a sustainable way. To ensure delivery of the actions and outputs above, a five-year Action Plan with specific programmes and targets will be produced and implemented. Valley of Stones NNR, Dorset. 6 7